Acquisition of model train and train parts operation announced Wednesday to 20-plus employees; some production will continue until remaining products are sold out

By Buffy Pollock, Rogue Valley Times

Talent-based Micro-Trains Line Co. announced Wednesday that it will cease operations at its Southern Oregon warehouse after being acquired Nov. 17 by global Atlas Model Railroad Co.

The Talent-based model train and train parts manufacturing company, which traces its roots back to the early 1940s, called an employee meeting Wednesday morning and announced the sale and job loss for its 20-plus employees, according to workers who spoke to the Rogue Valley Times.

The warehouse, located on Rogue River Parkway along Talent Avenue, was reportedly void of activity on Thursday. A handful of employees who spoke to the Times but declined to be named said news of the sale and closure of the local operation was unexpected.

The longtime local manufacturer is renowned in the model train industry for its precision N and Z scale model trains and couplers. 

The Talent warehouse will continue to accept and process orders until remaining products are sold out, with Atlas company officials saying they plan to continue production in 2026 of Micro-Trains products under the moniker “Micro-Trains by Atlas.”

Processed orders in Talent are expected to continue “for about 90 days after the acquisition closes — through mid-February 2026,” officials said.

“This includes fulfilling December releases and managing remaining inventory of model train products, including single car releases, multi-packs, trucks, couplers, tools and accessories until sold out. Post-transition, all Micro-Trains products will be available through Atlas’s authorized dealers, distributors and online store,” according to Atlas.

“Customer service for Micro-Trains products will also persist through this transition period until mid-February 2026, after which Atlas will handle all customer service inquiries, parts and support,” officials said.

In a joint release by Atlas and Micro-Trains posted to social media on Wednesday, both companies emphasized that the integration would focus on “preserving the authenticity of Micro-Trains’ designs while leveraging Atlas’s engineering, logistics, production capabilities to broaden innovation and future product offerings.”

“Under the agreement, Atlas will assume ownership of Micro-Trains’ molds, tooling, and associated intellectual property, ensuring continued production of the brand’s hallmark products. Production will transition into Atlas’s global manufacturing and supply network, ensuring continued availability and consistent quality standards worldwide,” the release stated.

A statement was included in the release by Eric D. Smith, president of Micro-Trains. “Our family and team are proud of what Micro-Trains has meant to hobbyists everywhere. Atlas’s commitment to excellence and long-term investment in the model railroad community makes them the right partner to continue our story,” Smith wrote.

Social media response to announcement of the sale ranged from surprise to dismay, with hobbyists voicing concern about production being shipped overseas. 

In a statement to its own social media, Atlas company officials, who referenced Micro-Trains as “a highly respected leader in N- and Z-scale model trains, couplers and accessories,” refuted claims that production would be shipped overseas and said the 100-plus-year-old company was founded and headquartered in New Jersey with no changes planned to existing U.S.-based operations. The company reported extending job offers to some Micro-Trains employees.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Micro-Trains tooling being ‘shipped off to China,’ so let’s clear that up right away. While Micro-Trains has had some limited production in China in recent years — at some of the same factories Atlas uses — none of the U.S.-based tooling is being moved to China. That assumption just isn’t accurate,” the statement read.

“Atlas has been around for over 100 years. The company was started by an immigrant from Czechoslovakia, and over the decades manufactured products in the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Austria, Germany, England, Italy, Yugoslavia, Brazil, and yes, China. The point is: Atlas has always used a global production mix, choosing partners who can meet the quality, tooling and cost requirements for each specific product — not relying on any one country.

“Our goal is simple: preserve the Micro-Trains product line, support its skilled workforce, ensure product availability and maintain the same high level of quality and fidelity that customers expect from Micro-Trains and Atlas,” the statement said. Micro-Trains officials did not respond to calls or emails by the Times on Thursday.

Reach reporter Buffy Pollock at 458-488-2029 or bpollock@rv-times.com. Follow her on Twitter @orwritergal. This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.